Justification:Scatophagus argus has been assessed as Least Concern. This species has a very large distribution, extending from the Persian Gulf to the east coast of Australia. Although harvested for food, medicine, and the aquarium trade, it is of little commercial importance. This species is also able to utilise a number of habitat types that undergo large scale environmental fluctuations, indicating resilience and adaptability.

Scatophagus argus is distributed from the Persian Gulf, past India, and into the western Pacific. Its distribution extends from Japan in the north, to New South Wales, New Caledonia, and Fiji in the south (Randall 2005). The FAO (2001) states that the distribution of this species also extends further east in the Pacific, to French Polynesia. Scatophagus argus has also been recorded from Micronesia.

The scat, Scatophagus argus, is usually found in estuaries, harbours, mangrove sloughs, and the lower reaches of fresh water streams, especially those with high mineral concentrations. Tiny juveniles float in the surface film (Kuiter and Debelius 2001). This species feeds on benthic algae, plant matter, and small benthic invertebrates. It is a schooling species. Individuals typically grow to 20–30 cm. Filipino fishers believe the dorsal, anal, and pelvis spines are venomous and capable of inflicting painful wounds.

Scatophagus argus is harvested as a food source using traps and nets. However, it is not thought to be of commercial importance due to its small size. It is also used in Chinese medicine and for the aquarium trade.

Scatophagus argus is harvested as a food source using traps and nets. However, due to its small size, it is not thought to be of commercial importance. It is also used in Chinese medicine and for the aquarium trade. However, due to the low commercial value of this species and its venomous spines, harvesting is not considered a major threat at present.

This species occurs in some estuarine environments that are subject to high levels of contaminants from shipping (oil and fuel leaks, ballast water, anti-fouling paints), coastal development, and pollution from upstream. However, these are localised threats, and not known throughout its entire range.

There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for Scatophagus argus. However, it may occur in a number of marine protected areas. Further research on the harvest levels and extent of harvest of this species is needed.